ABSTRACT
The choice of equivalent material is highly influential in solving a given real problem through modelling. It is extremely difficult to reproduce the wide-ranging physicomechanical properties of rocks through any one type of equivalent material by just varying its composition. Depending on the requirements of the equivalent material used for making the model to investigate a given type of problem, one must ensure similarity of the principal physical and mechanical parameters. Construction of models is the most laborious stage of a modelling experiment. The quality of construction of a model has a decisive influence on realising the specified parameters and eventually on the authenticity and reliability of the experimental results. Consistency in properties of equivalent materials depends on the method of consolidation of the binding material. Equivalent materials consist of a wide variety of composite materials of multicomponent systems based on fillers and binders.
